NL All-Stars: 'They said it'

All-Stars answer questions from the media

Before the 2011 All-Star Game Home Run Derby gets underway, All-Stars are available for questions from hundreds of media members covering the event. Here's a sample of the answers offered during the National League session:

"I don't know if you ever feel like you are dominating. There are definitely a lot of good hitters out there, and it has been a challenge. It is never comfortable. I can tell you from a pitching standpoint that it never seems like it is easy. It is always a challenge."

-- Phillies right-hander and NL starter Roy Halladay on the challenges he faces on the mound.

"I would love to come back and get this experience again. But for right now, I am going to try and take in as much of it as I can. Hopefully, it is not the only one."

-- Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan on making the All-Star club again in the future.

"First of all, he is very accurate and he has late movement, so you think the ball is going one place and it is not. We don't see him very often. You really have to face him a few times to try and get used to him."

"They were the first organization I played for, or at least they were the first one I played for in the big leagues. It was a real family-type atmosphere we had with the guys I came up with. It is good to see the success they are having this year. It has been some time."

-- Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee on his memories of playing for the Indians.

"Hello, China. I am pretty excited to know we have a growing fan base there. I have been there. I love it. If you get a chance to watch the Giants, I hope you get to watch the Giants and follow some of the stories of our players. We have a lot of characters and a lot of good stories."

-- Giants closer Brian Wilson on being asked if he will look into a video camera and say "Hi" to his friends/fans in China.

"It is unbelievable. My baseball career has had a great story to it and a lot of great moments. Things have worked out in my favor more often than not. I made my big league debut here, which happened by chance, and I get to play in the first All-Star Game that has ever been here."

-- Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier on participating in the All-Star Game in his home state of Arizona.

"I did well in the playoffs, and that was really a springboard for me heading into the offseason. I sort of told myself, 'Alright, I can still play at a high level.' After all, if you can hit well in the playoffs there is no reason you can't hit well in the regular season."

-- St. Louis outfielder Lance Berkman on making the All-Star roster after some struggles last season.

"Because the ball flies here. It is definitely a hitter's ballpark, especially when they keep the roof closed. It is a great atmosphere on the whole with that big TV in center field. It is a beautiful ballpark."

-- Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp on why Chase Field is an ideal place to hit.

"It is no longer, 'I hope we can win this game. I think we can win this game.' It is us going out there and knowing we can win a game. That comes with playing every single day and that is what we have done and that has happened throughout the course of the year so far. That is why I think this second half will be a better half."

-- Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen on the new winning attitude within the Pirates organization.

"That is a tough one. Yes. What do other guys say? Do they say no? Then I am going to say no."

-- Braves reliever Jonny Venters on if he was the commissioner for a day would he allow the All-Star Game to determine home-field advantage in the World Series.

"He has a lot of deception, especially for right-hand hitters. You don't see the ball real well. On top of that, he has really good stuff. He is one of those guys who you don't see the ball come out of his hand well, and he has a good changeup, a mid-to-low 90s fastball, a good breaking ball and good command. He has definitely put it all together."

"As the lead-off guy, my job is to get on base. I know that if I can get on in the first inning, I know that I am going to put myself into scoring position. That could give us an opportunity to score a run in that first inning. That is good for our team."

-- Shortstop Jose Reyes on his role in Mets' lineup.

"My playing style is to go out there and to have fun every day. My mental approach is to have a good game and to help the team win some way, somehow. I am very passionate about the game. I like to play the game and that allows me to relax and to enjoy it.

-- Arizona catcher Miguel Montero on what he brings to the D-backs.

Compiled by Jeff Moeller, a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, from Phoenix.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.